Church of the Redeemer

Flood Relief and Reports: May 28

2010-05-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings Church,

We have a need for some volunteers this weekend for some flood relief efforts. Also, I have some flood-related information I'd like to share with you.

Help Needed at 137 Plantation Court in River Planation, Bellevue, Tomorrow
The Bowens need help at their condo tomorrow doing clean up work. Some of this will be taking out trash, some of it will be cleaning. If you can, please bring cleaning supplies and trash bags. Gwyn will be there at 9 am, so please come any time from then on throughout the morning. Thank you.

Help Needed to Move a Refrigerator
The Trainers, who’s basement flooded, have a refrigerator down there that needs to go out to the curb. It will take a couple of strong folks and a hand truck. If you are willing to help, please call Charlotte at 945-0663 or e-mail trainerc@comcast.net.

Flood Dinner This Tuesday
Being flooded can be a lonely and scary experience. However, we are not alone. If you were affected by the recent floods, or if you would like to be present for those who were, we invite you to an old-fashioned covered dish dinner this Tuesday night at 6:30 pm downstairs. We will have a time of prayer, followed by a meal together. It is a time of fellowship, and a venue to catch up and informally share stories. Bring food to share; drinks, salad and bread provided.

Flood Relief Giving
You can give to the Flood Relief Fund by giving a check to Redeemer, MEMO to “Flood Relief.” Every penny will get to victims in our congregation. If you know a family personally, consider giving a gift card for a grocery store, etc. directly them. The church can not accept donations directed toward particular individuals.

A Thank You from the Coopers
We put out a call to help the Coopers this week, and some of you responded. Here is a thank you note from Reed and Nancy:

What a wonderful body of Christ we have and are privileged to be part of. (Forgive me Mother for ending a sentence with a preposition) This morning I called for help moving some things to storage and this afternoon I had three trucks, three strong willing men for Redeemer and to Saints from Cross Point Church , who cleared out the down stairs wood pieces and boxes in record speed. Patsy and a sweet young girl from Cross Point Church helped me pack up dishes and glasses from the kitchen cupboards and put them in boxes for the storage area. God Blessed us again and we are so gratefully for each and everyone of you. Love to all Nancy and Reed

For May 20th

2010-05-19T14:58:00.003-07:00

Flood Relief Information for May 20th

Flood Survivor’s Meeting This Sunday
If your home was substantially affected by the flood, please join us for a meeting after church this Sunday. Bruce Colville, a member of our church and an expert in disaster relief, has been of immeasurable help to us over the past weeks. He will be gathering information from you about your upcoming needs. Please stay in the sanctuary for this meeting after the 10:30 service.

Help Needed, Date Changed
Please help on SATURDAY at 10 AM at 7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221
We had to do a bit more demolition, taking out the trim around the doors and windows to get the bits of dry wall and insulation behind them. Turned out to be a bigger mess than I expected. We need help to load and unload a uhaul truck with our stuff going to storage and a crew to do clean up. Neither job should take very long. I think we could be done in a couple hours with enough hands. We got a big truck so we should be able to get everything in one load, but I could use some muscle getting the beds and other furniture down the stairs and out the door. For clean up, there's some molding, dry wall, and insulation to drag out, but not a lot. I would love to get help pulling nails from the studs and floors and then sweeping and vacuuming.

Save Family Photos from the Flood
Joyce Shepard is now working on saving family photos found in the damaged homes of our members. You can help her by picking some photos up from her home, or joining her restoration work in her garage. She will be working this week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Call Joyce at 498-9681 or e-mail her at pjshepard@comcast.net

Flood Help For May 19

2010-05-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

Save Family Photos from the Flood
Joyce Shepard is now working on saving family photos found in the damaged homes of our members. You can help her by picking some photos up from her home, or joining her restoration work in her garage. She will be working this week Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Call Joyce at 498-9681 or e-mail her at pjshepard@comcast.net

UDPDATED:
Help on SATURDAY at 10 AM at 7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221
We had to do a bit more demolition, taking out the trim around the doors and windows to get the bits of dry wall and insulation behind them. Turned out to be a bigger mess than I expected. We need help to load and unload a uhaul truck with our stuff going to storage and a crew to do clean up. Neither job should take very long. I think we could be done in a couple hours with enough hands. We got a big truck so we should be able to get everything in one load, but I could use some muscle getting the beds and other furniture down the stairs and out the door. For clean up, there's some molding, dry wall, and insulation to drag out, but not a lot. I would love to get help pulling nails from the studs and floors and then sweeping and vacuuming.

AND
Joker Thief is the Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Joker Thief is a conversation about spiritual things. Anyone is welcome to join us. If you would like to join us, you can find us at Sam and Zoe’s beginning at 7:00 pm on the Wednesdays of May and June. Anyone who comes gets a coupon for $2.00 off their food and/or drink order. That means that your coffee or part of your dinner will be on us! See more at www.JokerThief.com

Help on May 15th

2010-05-14T14:38:00.001-07:00

Flood Relief Project Tomorrow, May 15
The next project I would like for us to help with is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 am. This family has had all the major demolition work done, but they need help with a great deal of clean up both inside and outside the home. Some of you will be loading trash and debris, while others of you will be sorting items, and others will be cleaning. They are located at 9563 Highway 96, Franklin, Tn. 37064. Here are the directions.

Directions
From Highway 100 Turn on Highway 96 we are 1 mile ( deer Crossing sign in front yard) on the right side of the highway with an American Flag on our mailbox
From Hillsboro Road, take Old Hillsboro Rd. to Highway 96, turn right and travel approximately 8 miles and we are on the left after The Farm ( Dog and Cat Kennel)

What Can I Do To Help?
If you would like to help with Flood Relief through Redeemer, there are five things you can do.

1) Pray. Pray for the victims, the workers, the church, and the city.

2) Volunteer. A Volunteer Survey is going out this week via e-mail, blog, facebook, twitter, and church website. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey so that we can connect you with volunteer opportunities over the next 3-6 months.

3) Raise Awareness. The more you talk about the flood, in person and on-line, the more you will keep our fickle culture focused on the medium term needs of those affected.

4) Give. You can give to the Flood Relief Fund by giving a check to Redeemer, MEMO to “Flood Relief.” Every penny will get to victims in our congregation. As of right now, we have raised over $12,000! Also, consider giving a gift card for a grocery store, etc. directly to people you know who have suffered in this time.

5) Donate. Many folks in our congregation lost furniture and appliances. In the coming weeks and months, they will need to replace these items. If you have good-condition furniture and appliances that would like to give, we ask you to do one of two things. First, you can hold on to these items until we ask for them. Second, you can bring them to the church. We have a room set aside to store them. However, the room is small, and to avoid “double handling” the items it would be easier if you hang on to them for now.

Emergency Cash Assistance APPLY BY MAY 20
Get one-time cash payments of $250 (1-2 person household), $500 (3 or more persons) If household income does not exceed 130% of federal poverty guidelines Household must be registered with FEMA Apply in person at DHS offices. Find offices at http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/st_map.html Or Call the Family Assistance Service center at 1-866-311-4287

How Can I Help Flood Victims? -- For May 14

2010-05-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

What Can I Do To Help?
If you would like to help with Flood Relief through Redeemer, there are five things you can do.

1) Pray. Pray for the victims, the workers, the church, and the city.

2) Volunteer. A Volunteer Survey is going out next week via e-mail, blog, facebook, twitter, and church website. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey so that we can connect you with volunteer opportunities over the next 3-6 months.

3) Raise Awareness. The more you talk about the flood, in person and on-line, the more you will keep our fickle culture focused on the medium term needs of those affected.

4) Give. You can give to the Flood Relief Fund by giving a check to Redeemer, MEMO to “Flood Relief.” Every penny will get to victims in our congregation. As of right now, we have raised over $12,000! Also, consider giving a gift card for a grocery store, etc. directly to people you know who have suffered in this time.

5) Donate. Many folks in our congregation lost furniture and appliances. In the coming weeks and months, they will need to replace these items. If you have good-condition furniture and appliances that would like to give, we ask you to do one of two things. First, you can hold on to these items until we ask for them. Second, you can bring them to the church. We have a room set aside to store them. However, the room is small, and to avoid “double handling” the items it would be easier if you hang on to them for now.

Please Help This Weekend
The next project I would like for us to help with is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 am. This family has had all the major demolition work done, but they need help with a great deal of clean up both inside and outside the home. Some of you will be loading trash and debris, while others of you will be sorting items, and others will be cleaning. They are located at 9563 Highway 96, Franklin, Tn. 37064. Here are the directions.

Directions
From Highway 100 Turn on Highway 96 we are 1 mile ( deer Crossing sign in front yard) on the right side of the highway with an American Flag on our mailbox
From Hillsboro Road, take Old Hillsboro Rd. to Highway 96, turn right and travel approximately 8 miles and we are on the left after The Farm ( Dog and Cat Kennel)

Do you Need Help?
At this point, many of our houses need help sporadically, if at all. If you are in need of assistance for you flood damage, please let us know. If you would like to help, and Redeemer does not have a project that day, please contact the Red Cross, Hands on Nashville, or Samaritan’s Purse.

FEMA has opened a center at 100 Oaks. If you had substantial damage but have not contacted FEMA, please do so TODAY. 1-800-462-9029

Emergency Cash Assistance APPLY BY MAY 20
Get one-time cash payments of $250 (1-2 person household), $500 (3 or more persons) If household income does not exceed 130% of federal poverty guidelines Household must be registered with FEMA Apply in person at DHS offices. Find offices at http://www.state.tn.us/humanserv/st_map.html Or Call the Family Assistance Service center at 1-866-311-4287

For May 13th

2010-05-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Flood Recovery for Thursday, May 13
I’d like to pass on to you part of an e-mail I received today. It comes from one of the Redeemer folks that we were able to help recently.

We cannot thank you – and all those who volunteered – enough for all the help. We were lost - just didn’t realize how badly our house had been affected. To have you coordinate & bring people in who could tell us what was needed was HUGE, let alone to have people pitch in and DO all that hard labor. I cannot believe you and Marie (after her own flood issues) & Cody & Chris belly-crawled in that muck for hours for us! And the fact that Paul gave us his day when his own home was lost – not really sure what to do with that. Your help has been phenomenal. The depth of the grace & love we’ve been shown will be sinking in for a long time, I think.

Please Help This Weekend
The next project I would like for us to help with is scheduled for this Saturday at 10 am. This family has had all the major demolition work done, but they need help with a great deal of clean up both inside and outside the home. Some of you will be loading trash and debris, while others of you will be sorting items, and others will be cleaning. They are located at 9563 Highway 96, Franklin, Tn. 37064. Here are the directions.

Directions
From Highway 100 Turn on Highway 96 we are 1 mile ( deer Crossing sign in front yard) on the right side of the highway with an American Flag on our mailbox
From Hillsboro Road, take Old Hillsboro Rd. to Highway 96, turn right and travel approximately 8 miles and we are on the left after The Farm ( Dog and Cat Kennel)

Pacing
As you know, I’ve been sending out e-mails and putting these up as blog posts every day. This has been necessary, in my opinion, during this critical time. I intend to continue daily updates as long as they are needed. However, I have often been putting out some of the same information day after day. In an effort to ensure that you are reading what I write, rather than just tossing it, I’m going to make a concerted effort to only put out new information from here on, along with reminders of the absolutely critical things. If you want to know what services are available, the blog still has all that information. www.RedeemerNashville.blogspot.com

Relief Fund
I’m sure many of you have already begun to contribute towards our Relief Fund. Every dollar given will go to help people in our congregation. Please write checks to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

Do you Need Help?
At this point, many of our houses need help sporadically, if at all. If you are in need of assistance for you flood damage, please let us know. If you would like to help, and Redeemer does not have a project that day, please contact the Red Cross, Hands on Nashville, or Samaritan’s Purse.

FEMA has opened a center at 100 Oaks. If you had substantial damage but have not contacted FEMA, please do so TODAY. 1-800-462-9029

For May 12th

2010-05-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Flood Recovery for Wednesday, May 12

Today was another busy day in the world of flood recovery work. A small army of Redeemer folks, with some friends, descended on 332 Wimpole Drive. We knocked down walls, tore out duct work, removed destroyed items, and cleaned a great deal. This was a particularly well built home from the 40s, with lovely plaster over dry walls. We hated to knock them down, but the insulation behind them was soaked.

Yesterday some contractors showed up at this home. They offered a quote of $20,000 to do the work that Redeemer volunteers ended up doing today. I’m not sure what this says about these particular contractors, but I know what it says about the folks in our church. You are working hard for the Lord and one another. Thank you all so very much.

I was eating some hamburgers that Paul Mikos brought and having a chat with Jane Griffin. We were saying that, in the midst of the pain of this flood, this time has been precious. We are spending time with one another, working side by side, sharing fellowship day after day. Those of us who can’t do the physical labor are praying and supporting victims in other ways. The Lord is working in our midst and revealing himself to us.

Help Needed Tomorrow
Tomorrow we need some clean up work done at 332 Wimpole Drive, Nashville, 37211. The homeowner will be there at 10:30 am and on. Come prepared to wash, sweep, and dispose of the leftovers from the awesome demolition work today. Also, baseboard will need to be taken off. And some sorting will need to be done in the yard. If you have a broom and some cleaning supplies, that would help. So would a hammer and some tools to remove the baseboard. If you like yard work, some yard work could also be done. I think with just 6 or 7 people working this house can be totally finished tomorrow.

Do you Need Help?
At this point, many of our houses need help sporadically, if at all. If you are in need of assistance for your flood damage, please let us know. Otherwise, I will continue to release us to help with friends, neighbors, and other non-profits.

Relief Fund
I’m sure many of you have already begun to contribute towards our Relief Fund. I don't know how much has been collected so far, but I know it is certainly in the thousands of dollars. Every penny given will go to help people in our congregation. Please write checks to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

AMiA
We are on the Anglican Mission’s Website. Tish Warren gave them the information, thanks to her! Check out the story at http://www.theamia.org/new/news/recent-news/special-alert-support-church-of-the-redeemer-in-nashville-flood-recovery-efforts/

FEMA has opened a center at 100 Oaks. If you had substantial damage but have not contacted FEMA, please do so TODAY. 1-800-462-9029

There is a new facebook page for disaster relief information at http://www.facebook.com/TNDisasterInfo

Tide is washing clothes for flood victims at 2403 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

Tax Information (from a law firm)
Property owners in federally declared disaster areas would be well-advised to consider utilizing a provision permitting 2010 federally declared disaster losses to be claimed for the 2009 tax year in order to take advantage of significantly more liberal rules that may not be available for the 2010 tax year. Taxpayers who have already filed their 2009 tax return can still claim a disaster loss by filing an amended return for 2009.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
- The Red Cross can provide a great deal of help, including supplies, clothing, and food. Call 298-1108 for more information.
- I have a line on a washer and dryer. Let me know.
- An architect has offered to help those of you who may need one. I can give you his contact information.
- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- If you need a truck, I have a line on two that you can borrow. Neither comes with a driver. Let me know, and I will give you the facts.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

Need a Job, and Want to Help?
If you know anyone that needs a job they have 2500 openings in Nashville to help with clean up. They are paying $10 an hour plus OT. They are hiring on the spot. Applicants need to go to 306 East Thompson Lane or call 615-506-9375 for more info. You need to
bring a state issued ID and your SS card when applying

Concert to Raise Money for Relief
I just wanted to let you know about a flood benefit concert that is this Saturday at 6pm Flatrock Cafe of Nolensville Rd. Mindy Smith will be playing along with other great artists.

Stay In Touch
Please continue to follow this blog for information about where and how to help, to offer help, or to get help. If you use facebook, please be sure to “like” (formerly known as “become a fan of”) Redeemer at www.Facebook.com/RedeemerNashville Also, we have been using twitter at www.twitter.com/RedeemerNash. I am also contacting people through phone, text, and e-mail. Once again, I can be reached at 615-403-4009 and Thomas AT RedeemerNashville.net

Assist Those Without Computers
If you have been reading these e-mails, or following the blog, you know that we have posted a great deal of information. Of course, many of those most affected by the flood have lost their computers. For that reason, I have assembled some of the most important data in a single document: Flood Relief Guide. You can access this guide very easily. If you click here, it should download automatically: http://files.me.com/thomas.mckenzie/pz8wcs If that does not work, send me an e-mail and ask for the document. I will send it to you; it is a pdf file. If you know people who have been affected by the flood, please print out this document and take it to them. It will provide very useful information.

For May 11th

2010-05-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

Flood Recovery for Tuesday, May 11

Today I got to spend some time at a home I had not yet visited, the home of a Redeemer family who’s situation came to my attention on Sunday. It was good to be there and an honor to get to work. Those who helped today came mainly from our church, but we also had some “outside” help. There was a concert tonight in Nashville, and some young people from Alabama had drove up to see it. They contacted me through twitter and came up early so that they could pitch in before the show. What a blessing and an encouragement!

Please Help Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, we will start serious work on 332 Wimpole Drive, Nashville, 37211.
If you can get physical, we need your help. If you are available tomorrow, we will begin at 9 am. Bring hammer, crowbar, portable saw, flashlights, knives, wire cutter, tin snips, drywall saw (they look like a keyhole saw) gloves, masks/goggles if you have them, and wear clothes that can get messy. If we have a good crowd, this won’t take long.

Relief Fund
I’m sure many of you have already begun to contribute towards our Relief Fund. Every dollar given will go to help people in our congregation. Please write checks to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

FEMA has opened a center at 100 Oaks. If you had substantial damage but have not contacted FEMA, please do so TODAY. 1-800-462-9029

Please Report In
It would be a great help to me if you have been helping at a Redeemer home if you would report in to me. Please send me an e-mail and let me know what more needs to be done in the coming week, if anything. Let me know, also, what you have been doing. If you are a homeowner and you have not been assisted, or if you need more assistance, I need to know so that I can direct folks toward you. Please don’t be shy in asking for help.

Assist Those Without Computers
If you have been reading these e-mails, or following the blog, you know that we have posted a great deal of information. Of course, many of those most affected by the flood have lost their computers. For that reason, I have assembled some of the most important data in a single document: Flood Relief Guide. You can access this guide very easily. If you click here, it should download automatically: http://files.me.com/thomas.mckenzie/pz8wcs If that does not work, send me an e-mail and ask for the document. I will send it to you; it is a pdf file. If you know people who have been affected by the flood, please print out this document and take it to them. It will provide very useful information.

Medium Term Living Situations
Within the next couple of weeks, we will need to get some people into medium-term living situations. These are places where they can stay for 3-6 months while their homes are being taken care of. If you are able to help us find medium term situations, please let me know. These can be rental properties, subleases, or whatever. Thanks.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
- I have a line on a washer and dryer. Let me know.
- An architect has offered to help those of you who may need one. I can give you his contact information.
- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- If you need a truck, I have a line on two that you can borrow. Neither comes with a driver. Let me know, and I will give you the facts.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- Tide “Loads of Hope” will be in Nashville on Wednesday to wash clothes for those affected. Watch the blog/facebook/twitter for their location once they are here.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

Stay In Touch
Please continue to follow this blog for information about where and how to help, to offer help, or to get help. If you use facebook, please be sure to “like” (formerly known as “become a fan of”) Redeemer at www.Facebook.com/RedeemerNashville Also, we have been using twitter at www.twitter.com/RedeemerNash. I am also contacting people through phone, text, and e-mail. Once again, I can be reached at 615-403-4009 and Thomas@RedeemerNashville.net

For May 10th

2010-05-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: I am requesting folks go to 332 Wimpole Drive, Nashville, 37211 today at 1 pm. The house needs to have items sorted through. No heavy work today. Tomorrow, there will be a crew needed for demolition work at the same house.

Flood Recovery for Sunday, May 10

It was great to see many of you in church today. I was especially glad to see so many families who have been affected by the flood. Many people were sharing their stories, showing compassion to one another as well as celebrating with one another. Though some of us had very scary moments, no one in the Redeemer family lost their lives; this is a fact we praise God for. We were able to focus on the Lord, to lift him up and draw strength from his Spirit.

I’m sure many of you have already begun to contribute towards our Relief Fund. Every dollar given will go to help people in our congregation. Please write checks to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

Please Report In
It would be a great help to me if you have been helping at a Redeemer home if you would report in to me. Please send me an e-mail and let me know what more needs to be done in the coming week, if anything. Let me know, also, what you have been doing. If you are a homeowner and you have not been assisted, or if you need more assistance, I need to know so that I can direct folks toward you. Please don’t be shy in asking for help.

Assist Those Without Computers
If you have been reading these e-mails, or following the blog, you know that we have posted a great deal of information. Of course, many of those most affected by the flood have lost their computers. For that reason, I have assembled some of the most important data in a single document: Flood Relief Guide. You can access this guide very easily. If you click here, it should download automatically: http://files.me.com/thomas.mckenzie/pz8wcs If that does not work, send me an e-mail and ask for the document. I will send it to you; it is a pdf file. If you know people who have been affected by the flood, please print out this document and take it to them. It will provide very useful information.

For Monday, May 10
On Sunday morning, I learned of a Redeemer house that might well need a good deal of attention. The house is located at 332 Wimpole Drive, Nashville, 37211. A small team is going to be there tomorrow at 9 am to assess the situation. It is likely that we will be calling on volunteers to meet us there. If we need volunteers on Tuesday, I will put that information out in tomorrow’s e-mail and blog post. If we need volunteers tomorrow, Monday, I will also send that information out. However, if you are willing to volunteer tomorrow, I can contact you directly if you will e-mail/call/text me either tonight or tomorrow. Let me know that you will be available, and I will let you know by 10 am on Monday morning if we will need you at this address.

There are other smaller jobs to be done for Redeemer families. If you have a smaller job to do, please post it on the blog in the comment section of this post. Or send it to me and I will pass it along.

If you are available tomorrow to help with the Wimpole Drive address, please let me know. If you are available tomorrow and this address does not need you, please consider joining in the efforts in one of the other affected neighborhoods.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- If you need a truck, I have a line on two that you can borrow. Neither comes with a driver. Let me know, and I will give you the facts.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- Tide “Loads of Hope” will be in Nashville on Wednesday to wash clothes for those affected. Watch the blog/facebook/twitter for their location once they are here.
- If you are replacing your HVAC, I have a line on a good 5 ton compressor that can be had at no cost. Let me know if you are interested.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

Flood Recovery for May 9th

2010-05-08T19:32:00.000-07:00

Flood Recovery for Sunday, May 9
Contact Fr. Thomas at Thomas AT RedeemerNashville.net, and follow Redeemer on twitter at www.Twitter.com/RedeemerNash

Greetings all,

I spent most of my day at the house on Rolling River Parkway, along with my daughters and an army of volunteers. Folks from Redeemer came out in a big way, and many of them brought friends along. I received a phone call of thanks tonight from the homeowner. She told me that some of the folks she works with came to help as well. They were blown away by the outpouring of volunteer work that they saw. Apparently, they think she goes to the coolest church ever. I agree.

In an amazing show of God’s provision, Family Affair Ministries received a large group of volunteers this weekend from West Virginia. Because most of FAMs folks fared pretty well, they sent these volunteers out to help us. Three Redeemer homes were helped, including the one I was working on. After they finished up with us, they moved on down the street to help neighbors.

I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls from around the country this week. People want to know how they can help. One of these calls was from Ellis Brust. Ellis was the President of the Anglican Mission in the Americas until he left to start an Anglican church in California. Epiphany Church is now 20 people who meet in his living room. He told me he has never asked them for money, but tomorrow he is going to take up their first collection ever; funds designated to our Redeemer Flood Relief fund. I told him we were grateful and humbled by their help.

Sunday

Sunday is Mother’s Day. In the midst of all that is going on, let me encourage you to honor the mothers in your life. I want to also encourage you to join us in worship if you can. It is important to gather as a community--to hug each other, to express our concern, to pray together, to celebrate God’s faithfulness in the midst of this difficult situation.

As tomorrow is the Christian sabbath, I encourage everyone to refrain from work if possible. Obviously, if there is a need in a home that simply cannot wait then action is necessary. But if you can, please take a day to rest and refresh after all the work you have been doing. As far as I know, there is no critical need at any of the homes we have been helping.

Please Report In

It would be a great help to me if you have been helping at a Redeemer home if you would report in to me. Please send me an e-mail and let me know what more needs to be done in the coming week, if anything. Let me know, also, what you have been doing. If you are a homeowner and you have not been assisted, or if you need more assistance, I need to know so that I can direct folks toward you. Please don’t be shy in asking for help.

I would also like to know from all of you what kind of damage the flood did. Even if you are not in need of volunteer assistance, if you could take a few minutes in the coming week to report it, that would be a great help. I want us to be aware of the full extent of the damage, so that we can pray and work appropriately.

Within a week or so I hope to have some mechanism set up for flood victims in our congregation to begin receiving assistance through our Redeemer Flood Relief fund. I hope you will all give something. Every dollar given to the Flood Relief fund will go to help people in our congregation. You can bring a check on Sunday, or mail one in. Please write you check to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

Get a Tetanus Shot
If you have been doing work in flooded homes and have not had a tetanus booster in 10 years, get a Tetanus shot! They are readily available, and you need one. Yes, I’m going to get one, and I hate shots more than any of you do. Trust me.

Report Damage
Metro Nashville is requesting that everyone report flood damage to their new website: http://www.nashville.gov/flood/ They are trying to formulate an accurate estimate of damage done in our city.

Relief Fund
We have a designated fund set up at Redeemer.
Very Important Contact Information
If you have been affected, I strongly encourage you to contact two organizations as soon as possible.

FEMA/TEMA
1-800-462-9029 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
www.fema.gov

Red Cross
www.GraceWorksMinistries.net – 615-794-2174
104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100, Franklin , TN 37064

Keep Records!
Very important for the homeowners or someone very close to help them:
- Create a Diary / Log that lists and documents every person who has given volunteer assistance, what they did (generally) and how many hours. We are still within memory of being able to capture this.
- With that list, organize by Job Categories: Debris Removal, Gutting, Cleaning out crawl space, demo wall etc.
- Attempt to assign the volunteers and their hours to the Jobs that were done by them.
(Besides using this log to write thank you notes someday....)

This can be a crucial thing to document to the Flood Insurance Adjuster. Each one of the jobs and tasks in cleaning out your house "would be" paid for by them if they had to hire someone as a part of your settlement (and there was sufficient coverage). The position to document is that you did the work and compensation should be made for that. Documenting the work helps to obtain the maximum compensation.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
I have tons of information I can pass on to anyone who needs it. Since it will not apply to most people, I won’t put it here or on the blog. But if you would like access to this information or these resources, please contact me.

- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- If you need a truck, I have a line on two that you can borrow. Neither comes with a driver. Let me know, and I will give you the facts.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- Tide “Loads of Hope” will be in Nashville on Wednesday to wash clothes for those affected. Watch the blog/facebook/twitter for their location once they are here.
- If you are replacing your HVAC, I have a line on a good 5 ton compressor that can be had at no cost. Let me know if you are interested.
- I have a sheet that tells you everything FEMA provides. I can pass it on.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

Job Needed
A young lady, a sister of a member of our congregation, moved here last week to start work at the Opryland Hotel. Needless to say, she is out of a job. If you know someone hiring, please contact me and I will put you in touch with her. Thanks.

Service International, a professional disaster recovery team, is in town to help homeowners who have suffered flood damage. Their work is free. If you want their help, you must register and complete release forms at Bellevue Church of Christ, 7401 Highway 70S. (The church is located across the street from Red Caboose Park in Bellevue.) The hours are 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. The work will consist of cleaning up, carpet removal, drywall removal and disposal of debris and is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 8.

For May 8th

2010-05-07T16:41:00.000-07:00

Flood Recovery for Saturday, May 8

Greetings all,

Today ended up being a much busier day than I expected. Several of you received very “last minute” texts and calls from me. Others of you might have noticed a couple of alerts coming over twitter. Thank you, once again, for all of you who have been working so hard in people’s homes. Thanks also to those of you have been supportive in other ways.

My friend Bruce made a suggestion to me today that I think would be very helpful. He suggested that the Sabbath be observed this Sunday, May 9th. What does that mean? It means that if you have emergency work that must be done this Sunday, then do it. But otherwise, if you can rest from your labors it would be good to do so. This especially goes for those who have been doing flood recovery. If it can wait a day, let’s let it wait.

Work on Saturday
Tomorrow, however, is not Sunday. It is Saturday, and we have some work to do. Here is what I know about currently. If you have other needs, please let me know or make them known on the blog.

7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221 This is our special focus on Saturday, May 8th. There is plenty to be done, from preserving photos and books to getting under the house to bringing out cabinets. If you are coming, I would ask that you bring gloves, a breathing mask, grubby clothes, and some tools. Also, it is hard to get in and out of this area, so bring a lunch. I will be there at 10 a.m., and I hope many of you will join me.

1416 Mentelle Drive 37069 This home will have a lot of landscape work tomorrow. The flood washed away all their topsoil, and they are hoping to reclaim the land before things get worse. Also, there may still be some demolition work left to do here.

829 Sutton Hill Road 37204 will also be doing yard work tomorrow. The homeowner here has said that there are people in the neighborhood that are still doing demolition and salvage work, so be prepared to help with that.

I don’t have any specifics on the other homes we have been working on at this time. However, things have been coming up. So, please stay tuned to the blog. Even better, follow me on Twitter. I’m using both the church account, www.twitter.com/redeemernash and my personal account, www.twitter.com/thomasmckenzie I know that many of you don’t “get” twitter, and I’m not suggesting I do. But if you have an account and “follow” the church, especially if you follow by SMS (text message) then you will get updates directly on your cell phone.

Get at Tetanus Shot
If you have been doing work in flooded homes and have not had a tetanus booster in 10 years, get a Tetanus shot! They are readily available, and you need one. Yes, I’m going to get one, and I hate shots more than any of you do. Trust me.

Relief Fund
We have a designated fund set up at Redeemer. Every dollar given to the Flood Relief fund will go to help people in our congregation. You can bring a check on Sunday, or mail one in. Please write you check to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

Very Important Contact Information
If you have been affected, I strongly encourage you to contact two organizations as soon as possible.

FEMA/TEMA
1-800-462-9029 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
www.fema.gov

Red Cross
www.GraceWorksMinistries.net – 615-794-2174
104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100, Franklin , TN 37064

Keep Records!
Very important for the homeowners or someone very close to help them:
- Create a Diary / Log that lists and documents every person who has given volunteer assistance, what they did (generally) and how many hours. We are still within memory of being able to capture this.
- With that list, organize by Job Categories: Debris Removal, Gutting, Cleaning out crawl space, demo wall etc.
- Attempt to assign the volunteers and their hours to the Jobs that were done by them.
(Besides using this log to write thank you notes someday....)

This can be a crucial thing to document to the Flood Insurance Adjuster. Each one of the jobs and tasks in cleaning out your house "would be" paid for by them if they had to hire someone as a part of your settlement (and there was sufficient coverage). The position to document is that you did the work and compensation should be made for that. Documenting the work helps to obtain the maximum compensation.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
I have tons of information I can pass on to anyone who needs it. Since it will not apply to most people, I won’t put it here or on the blog. But if you would like access to this information or these resources, please contact me.

- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- If you need a truck, I have a line on one you can borrow. Does not come with driver. Let me know, and I will give you the facts.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- Tide “Loads of Hope” will be in Nashville on Wednesday to wash clothes for those affected. Watch the blog/facebook/twitter for their location once they are here.
- If you are replacing your HVAC, I have a line on a good 5 ton compressor that can be had at no cost. Let me know if you are interested.
- I have a sheet that tells you everything FEMA provides. I can pass it on.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

Job Needed
A young lady, a sister of a member of our congregation, moved here last week to start work at the Opryland Hotel. Needless to say, she is out of a job. If you know someone hiring, please contact me and I will put you in touch with her. Thanks.

Service International,
a professional disaster recovery team, is in town to help homeowners who have suffered flood damage. Their work is free. If you want their help, you must register and complete release forms at Bellevue Church of Christ, 7401 Highway 70S. (The church is located across the street from Red Caboose Park in Bellevue.) The hours are 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. The work will consist of cleaning up, carpet removal, drywall removal and disposal of debris and is scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 8.

May 6th Report and Some Needs

2010-05-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Anderson Cooper of CNN and agents from FEMA were out in Nashville today. I was glad to see the national media finally noticing our amazing city, and I was happy that our government is taking the situation seriously. Relief efforts are definitely underway all over. Neighbors are helping neighbors, people are coming together. Importantly, the Church has, in many instances, been leading the way. In the midst of devastation, people are living out the commands of Christ.

Members of Church of the Redeemer were all over our city today helping those in need. I spent part of my day at River Plantation, a heavily damaged series of condos in Bellevue. I had the chance to see several of you hard at work, as I know you were in so many other places. I would love to list everyone’s names and what they’ve been doing. But if I do that I will leave out many of you, so I won’t. Please know that I have spoken to many families today that you are helping, and they are all deeply grateful.

Help needed Tomorrow

One family needs help loading up some furniture on a truck tomorrow. If you can be at 137 Plantation Court in River Plantation at 10 am, will you please contact me at 615-403-4009 or via e-mail as soon as you can? Thanks.

The family at 2920 McNairy Lane 37204 needs some help loading up boxes and hauling stuff off to recycle. Come by after 9 a.m.

If you can help Susan Eames in a book drying operation please contact her directly. If you don’t have her contact information, contact me and I will give it to you.

If you can help Joyce Shepard save one family’s photos, contact her directly. If you don’t have her information, contact me and I will give it to you (we’re trying to keep folks’ information private on the internet)
Report on Homes

Now I have something to say that is both marvelous and may be too good to be true. As far as I am aware, all Redeemer homes have had all critical needs met.

There is still cleaning up to do, and there will be a great deal of construction work over the next weeks and months. Everyone is in livable accommodations, though some people will need to be transferred to longer term housing in the near future. Some still have cleaning up work to do. Also, there is need for folks to help salvage things like precious photos, documents, wood furnishings, etc. I will give you information about that below. However, the essential things: removing drywall and floors, removing furniture, removing soaked items, has been done. I am astounded by what God has done.

If you are able to help those in need tomorrow, we have some needs listed above. May I also suggest going to the neighborhood nearest you that has been effected or going to the areas around the addresses that we have been going to. You will find plenty of people who have not yet had the kind of assistance that members of our church community have received. If you would like to participate in a more organized effort, Nashville Metro is sending all potential volunteers to Hands On Nashville: www.hon.org

Stay In Touch

As specific homes ask for more help, or as new homes possibly emerge, I will make that information known to you. I have been using this blog at I have been using facebook. If you use facebook, please be sure to “like” (formerly known as “become a fan of”) Redeemer at www.Facebook.com/RedeemerNashville Also, I have been using twitter. I use both the church account, www.twitter.com/RedeemerNash and my personal account, www.twitter.com/ThomasMcKenzie Of course, I am also contacting people through phone, text, and e-mail. Once again, I can be reached at 615-403-4009 and Thomas@RedeemerNashville.net

Relief Fund

As I mentioned yesterday, we now have a designated fund set up at Redeemer. Every dollar given to the Flood Relief fund will go to help people in our congregation. You can bring a check on Sunday, or mail one in. Please write you check to Church of the Redeemer and MEMO it to “Flood Relief.” Then send the check to us at 920 Caldwell Lane, Nashville, TN, 37204

Very Important Contact Information
If you have been affected, I strongly encourage you to contact two organizations as soon as possible.

FEMA/TEMA
1-800-462-9029 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.
www.fema.gov

Red Cross
www.GraceWorksMinistries.net – 615-794-2174
104 Southeast Parkway, Suite 100, Franklin , TN 37064

Vanderbilt Free Items
The folks at Vandy are giving away tons of clothes and food tomorrow. Just stop by Student Life Center - Ballroom C, 310 25th Ave. S. to collect items for yourself or someone you know who is in need.

Information and Resources I Can Pass On
I have tons of information I can pass on to anyone who needs it. Since it will not apply to most people, I won’t put it here or on the blog. But if you would like access to this information or these resources, please contact me.
- If you lost a car and need one, I can at least two available for loan. Let me know.
- Want to know how to preserve photos, I can pass info on to you.
- There is a business in LaVergne that is giving away water and tarps.
- I have a sheet that tells you everything FEMA provides. I can pass it on.
- I have a lady who is offering an empty garage for storage. Let me know.
- There are some offers of people looking to donate furniture. If you have need now, let me know.
- Many people have offered short term places for folks to live. Please let me know if you need a short term solution.

May 6th Reports and Needs

2010-05-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Look at comments section of this post for light work that you can do indoors TODAY

This morning, I was doing something very unusual. I was giving the morning devotion at the annual Executive Leadership Summit of the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association). I led a large room full of the leaders in the Christian publishing industry in Anglican Morning Prayer. As part of that prayer time, I gave a short homily in which I talked about the Gospel reading from today’s Daily Office.

Jesus said “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

This week I have been in many homes that have been damaged or devastated. But I haven’t been with a single person in our community who is hopeless. Their earthly treasures have been destroyed, but their heavenly treasures endure. I got a chance to tell these publishers that. I praised the Lord for your hard work and faithfulness. Essentially, I got to brag about Christ in you.

So many of you have been out helping others in our community. Not only that, but you’ve been helping your coworkers, your neighbors, your family members, even perfect strangers. I’ve had several reports of Redeemer people who are working on a home that belongs to someone in our church, but then have gone next door to help a neighbor who has no one to help.

Over the next days and weeks, we will continue to help those in our church. But my vision is that we won’t stop there. As we finish up at a Redeemer home, I believe God will call us to the neighbor next door or across the street. Yes, we are a relatively small church. But the Holy Spirit is using you in mighty ways. I was just speaking to someone today who told me that just last week they were saying that they just didn’t see the universal Church in action. This week, they see the local church stepping into their lives and loving them like Christ.

For those of you who are not able to physically help, I encourage you to keep praying. For those of you who can only go out for a little bit, maybe over lunch or after work, can I make a suggestion? Drive into one of these affected neighborhoods and hand out some water, or some clean t-shirts, or some gloves. Go and pick up some trash or bring a cup of coffee to someone who is working. Volunteer to do some childcare. You don’t have to be part of an organized effort, you can be creative.

As I mentioned yesterday, we now have a designated fund set up at Redeemer. Every dollar given to the Flood Relief fund will go to help people in our congregation. You can bring a check on Sunday, or mail one in.

If you are in need of a dehumidifier or fan, I have just been turned on someone who can help us with that. Please let me know.

I am looking into ways to get our folks connected with FEMA and other aid resources. If you would like to aid in the effort to make these connections, please contact me.

OK, now down to work. Here is an update on where we are at various addresses. If you have information about these or other places that need help, please add these to the comment section of this blog or e-mail me at Thomas@RedeemerNashville.net or text/call me at 615-403-4009.

Homes that need help Thursday, May 6th

7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221. This home has more work to be done. A crew will start work there around noon or 1 pm. This is a neighborhood that has been very hard hit. If you are in this area and happen to finish up, I would recommend just stepping next door. There is plenty to do.

508 Glenleigh Court 37221 is very close to the one on Rolling River Parkway. Please note that these neighborhoods have some accessibility issues due to closed bridges. Fortunately, some of these are opening. This home had a great deal of work done yesterday, and has some more to do. Once again, this neighborhood is in very bad shape. One of the neighbors has had almost no help at all. If you go to this house, the homeowner may well direct you to this neighbor.

124 and 137 Plantation Court 37221 will need work tomorrow. 137 is especially looking for some folks to come and clean their wooden furniture. They are hoping to save some of their special pieces, but the wood will need to be cleaned. If you can go over, please bring some wood cleaning materials. A member of the family intends to be there by 10 am, but the furniture is out back and you could just get started on it. Also, 124 may need more demolition work. These homes are part of a series of condos, populated mainly by older people, that has been incredibly hard hit. Some of these homes have had very little attention. If you can go to this area tomorrow, you will find work to do!

829 Sutton Hill Road 37204 needs some mechanical help tomorrow. If you know how to fix a lawnmower, they could use you. Once again, though, this is a home next to someone who has had very little help from outsiders. Let the homeowner direct you, if he doesn’t need you at the moment.

The family at 2920 McNairy Lane 37204 could use just a couple of people to come over and help sort through things and clean some things. This home is near the one on Sutton Hill.

OK, that’s what I’ve got for now. If you have more to add, please do so in the "Comments" section below.

Fr. Thomas McKenzie

May 5th Needs

2010-05-04T19:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings Church of the Redeemer,

Can I say something? Can I tell you how unbelievably proud I am of our church? You all are amazing. I just spoke with a member of our church who’s home was flooded. She raved about you, how all day long there was a stream of Redeemer people coming to her family’s home. “People I had met once before were crawling under my house, pulling out filthy insulation.” I praise God for each one of you. You are fulfilling Christ’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you.” You are a witness to secular friends and neighbors. Praise the Lord!

Some of you have not been able to join in the physical labor, some simply can not. To those of you who can’t help in this way, please continue to pray. Also, you may consider other tasks you may be able to do, such as bringing a meal or water to one of the addresses, watching children, or calling upon people you know who can help physically. We are all in this together, even those of us who can’t crawl under people’s houses!

To that end, Redeemer is setting up a designated fund to aid victims who are part of our church body. Money donated to this fund will go directly to those in our own church who have lost so much. Of course, you may also give to organizations that support others in the community. But every dollar of this fund will go to your brothers and sisters at Redeemer.

Please note that Nashville is under water restriction. Please do not use water unless you absolutely must! This is a big way all of us can help our area.

In a wonderful turn of events, I received a call today from Family Affair Ministries. Apparently, their church and some of their members (including Pastor Sutton) experienced some damage. However, they expect to have this taken care of within the next few days. They are receiving 22 college students this weekend, and they have offered to send many of them to help us! What a blessing!

Tomorrow, there is still great need for help. Most of the homes that I informed you about this morning got a great deal of help. One home, however, is in special need tomorrow. If you are already planning to return to a home tomorrow, go ahead and do so. But if you are looking for a new place to serve, let me recommend 508 Glenleigh Court 37204. Unfortunately, this home is quite difficult to reach as many roads around it are closed. However, this family was very hard hit and could use all the help we can give. A crew is going to be there beginning at 8 am and will be there all day. I will provide detailed instructions on how to reach this home at the end of this e-mail.

Here is what we need tomorrow at other homes, as far as I know. Please comment on the blog if you have more information.

829 Sutton Hill Road 37204 needs “man help” tomorrow, particularly in demolition and loading up a truck to take things to storage. The truck will be there around 12:30. If you can help, show up with a crow bar or sledge hammer and go after it.

7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221 is also in great need, and hard to get to. I spoke to Ron Doyle today who said that there was a good crew over there today (thank you Jack Haynes and company!!!) Ron says that there will be another crew going over on Thursday, so perhaps people should wait until Thursday to head over there.

The family at 2920 McNairy Lane 37204 was greatly blessed today. They have more friends coming over tomorrow, but are OK for church folks to go to one of these other homes that needs more immediate help.

The folks at 1416 Mentelle Drive 37069 had good help today. If you are planning on going there, please let me know and I can make sure they will be there.

124 and 137 Plantation Court 37221 will continue to need help tomorrow, but they were blessed by a large group today. Thank you so much for coming to the aid of these special people.

Another family who was not on our list today is at 3510 General Bate Drive, 37204. They are not in an emergency situation, but could certainly use help during the day tomorrow. If you are in the area this would be great place to go by and lend a hand.

OK, here are the directions to 508 Glenleigh Court 37204. As I said, this home is difficult to get to but in GREAT NEED. You will need to print these directions out. If you look on Google Maps or a similar site, you will see that there are much easier ways to get to this house. You are free to try these ways, but this route will avoid all the many roads that were closed today.

I-40 West of Bellevue to the McCrory Lane Exit. Go left (south)
You will cross Poplar Creek Road
Highway 100, left (east). You will pass the Loveless Cafe.
Take Learning Lane/Old Harding Pike when it splits left from Highway 100
Poplar Creek Road, left
Rolling River Parkway, right
Follow this road as it winds through a neighborhood and ends at
Bay Cove Trail, right
Follow this road as it winds and ends at
Morton Mills Road, right
Northridge Drive, first right
Glenleigh Ct, first right
Glenleigh Ct only has three homes, and the home we are going to is in the middle.

If you get lost, you can call me and I will put you in touch with the home owner.

May the Lord bless you and all the people of our area.

Fr. Thomas+

May 4th: Critical Needs Today

2010-05-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: There is childcare today from 2 pm until sunset for Redeemer folks who are helping flood victims. Just bring them on by!

Today is a critical day for our brothers and sisters in Christ who’s homes have been flooded. Where the waters have receded, mold and other deterioration will set in quickly. These homes need to be emptied, salvageable items set aside, carpet removed, and waste disposed of.

I know that many of you are busy. You are at work, or you have your kids with you. But if you intend to help, I ask you to consider doing it today during daylight hours. These folks need people to come and help empty their houses. They also need people who will come by with boxes or tubs or trash bags; with food and drinks. They need people who will come by with dehumidifiers they can borrow. They need people to come by and pick up blankets and laundry, take them home and wash them.

If you can help today, here are the addresses of folks in our congregation in need. There are probably other addresses I do not have on this list. If you know of other addresses please let me know and I will send out another mailing. Text or call me at 615-403-4009 or e-mail me at thomas@redeemernashville.net. For privacy reasons, I’m giving addresses only. You can call/text/e-mail me for names.

124 Plantation Court, 37221
137 Plantation Court, 37221
7556 Rolling River Parkway, 37221 (at 2 pm or after)
829 Sutton Hill Road 37204
2920 McNairy Lane 37204
508 Glenleigh Court 37204 (I have not reached these folks, but know that they are in need)
1416 Mentelle Drive 37069 (Once again, don’t know the status of this home but know that it is flooded)

Here is a great list from Chris Crimmins of things that are needed for situations like this. If you have some of this, bring it. But come even empty handed. http://www.chriscrimmins.com/2010/05/03/toolbox-for-post-flood-cleanup/

Once again, today is critical. Please consider putting down what you are doing and going to one of these places and helping. If you show up and they have plenty of help, please move to the next one.

Fr. Thomas McKenzie

Flood Reports: May 3rd

2010-05-03T08:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings Redeemer Family and Friends,

The rough times continue. There has been good news and bad news. You can read some of both by checking yesterday's post (May 2nd) and reading the comments.

One piece of great news is that so many of you have opened your homes to others. If you are looking for a place to stay, check this blog or call me directly at 615-403-4009. I can find you a place to stay.

On another note, I'll be driving around today to check on people. If you know of someone you would like checked on, or if you want me to check on your house, call or text me: 615-403-4009.

To business. I expect that there will be great need for members of our church to pitch in and help others clean up their homes. If you are willing to do that, comment on this and other posts and tell us when you might be available. I will do my best to get this information together, but don't wait for me. If someone says they can help and you need help, please contact them!

Please continue to pray for those in need at this time.

Fr. Thomas+

UPDATES as of 5:30 pm

The Kerns should be home by now. I went by their house, and friends of theirs were at work. They may well need some more help tomorrow.

The Gullahorns' basement was flooded, but the interior of the home MIGHT be dry. They will know soon.

I spent part of the day at the Bowen's and Cooper's. The Bowen's home is in very bad shape. Chris Crimmins, Tom and M.E. Seckman, Jakob and Catherine Lewis, and the Bowen's daughters and son-in-law were there helping. They will need a great deal more help in the coming days. The Cooper's home, which is practically next door, will also need help, though they are fortunate in that they have a two story home and the Bowen's were all on one story.

Ron Doyle tried to get over to see the Mikos' home, but unfortunately was turned back. The floodwaters prevented him from entering their neighborhood. Please keep that situation in your prayers.

Cheryl Weaver reports that the Hamblen's home is flooded, and that they were evacuated and are staying with a neighbor. It is good to know that they are safe, but I don't have any more information.

Dawn Parker sent out a great report: "David went by our house and we lost the lower level but it never came in the house. SHOCKING because the water was at the steps and flowing fast. We have no heat/cooling so we will be staying with another family."

On a not so great note, if you would like to see the Kimbro's car, you can view it here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126452637

Flood Reports: May 2nd

2010-05-02T13:45:00.001-07:00

Hello Redeemer Family

As all of you know, our area has experience severe flooding yesterday and today. Many of the members of our congregation have been affected. We would like to use this blog to gather information about affected members. By sharing information, I hope we will also share needs. Please "comment" on this post. Tell your story, and make contact with each other.

As you read these stories, pray for those involved. And if there is some way you can be of help, please say so.

Here are some of the reports we have already heard:

Duncan and Susan Kimbro
Report is that Ducan's car was destroyed by the flood yesterday. A Good Samaritan got Duncan and the children home safe. Susan is coming back from Florida today.

From Ian and June Kern
Right now Ian, Virginia and I are on a sunny beach in SC with his parents, but from reports gathered from some hearty cousins willing to brave deep waters to survey our home, the situation is not good. We've had one to two feet of water inside our house and the garage looks like a tornado hit it. As of last reports, the bridge to our home remains, but the walking bridges at our neighbors have been washed away. We do have flood insurance that will cover the structure, but no contents are covered.
We are so thankful for a lot of things... that our family is safe, that our dog is safe and lots more. We'll be heading home to take stock of what lies ahead. Until then, keep us in your prayers.

Gwyn and Mary Lee Bowen
Reports are that their home is flooded, and that they are staying at a Microtel. Apparently this hotel has lost power.

Reed and Nancy Cooper
Reports are that their house is flooded, and so is their son's.

Mike and Tiffany Dupree
Word this morning was that the lower room of their house was flooded, and that there was water in their kitchen as well.

Sam and Kelly Tucker
Heard this morning that their house was severely hit. No more information at this time.

From Alan and Mary Brown
Our backyard was completly flooded from the back creek and side run off causing water to seep under the door in our finished lower level. That was not the worst of it. The toilet and the bathtub backed up with sewage overflowing onto the floor and spreading into the two rooms adjoining it! What a mess we have!! And it continues to rain!!!

Andy and Jill Gullahorn
Their basement is full, and their is more flooding coming.

From David and Dawn Parker
I hope you are safe and dry. We are. We are so grateful to be alive and together. When we left our home yesterday, the water came in to the car as we semi-floated out of the neighborhood. We will be staying with another family temporarily. We plan to hopefully view our home tomorrow. Do you know of any rentals that take dogs? After we view our home we will know more.

Paul and Barbara Weigle
Reports this morning were that they had an inch and a half of water in their downstairs.

From Bob and Sharon Perry

Please pray for us our we were hit very hard by the flooding. The Harpeth River flooded the 100 yr flood plain and crossed a half mile towards us until my back yard became a 4 ft river last night. The water came into our garage up to the 3rd step. Our whole neighborhood was flooded and we were not able to leave. We stayed in a neighbor's home. We are right next to Cottonwood which was also flooded. Bob left for CA early yesterday morning. On the positive note it was a beautiful and heart-warming scene all night as all the neighbors helped one another move furniture.

Please continue to pray for us.

David and Sara Baldwin

The Baldwin family had to leave their home last night due to flooding in the area. No word yet on their status.

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2010-01-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

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May the Lord bless and keep you.